Combination shelving unit and night light

ABSTRACT

The disclosure relates to a bathroom shelving unit providing a combination of shelves and night light. The shelving unit has two generally vertically extending support members spaced horizontally from one another, with a plurality of shelves extending generally horizontally from a first or outer side of the vertically extending support members. The space between the inner or second sides of the support members houses a night light and is enclosed by a transparent or translucent cover. The light may be manually controlled or it may be linked to a motion detector. The distance between the shelves is configured to accommodate a toilet roll. The unit may additionally comprise a toilet roll holder, a clock, and charging port.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of shelving units, specifically to shelving units configured to store toilet rolls, more specifically to shelving units incorporating night lights.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. No. 4,564,148 (Wentworth) discloses a toilet dispensing system. A toilet paper dispenser includes a roll-storing chamber adapted for incorporation behind a room wall and a pair of facing guides for feeding rolls, one at a time, to an exposed position at least partially in front of the wall. To this end, the chamber has a front wall formed with an opening in a lower portion thereof commensurate with an aperture in the room wall. Each of the facing guides includes a vertical channel within the chamber and a horizontal channel contiguous therewith and extending to a point outside the chamber. The channels are sized and spaced to accommodate spindle ends projecting beyond the end faces of a toilet paper roll to be dispensed. The end portions of the horizontal channels are formed to support a roll in the exposed use position. One or both of the horizontal channels may be formed with an open segment that allows insertion and removal of the spindle.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,098,469 (McCarthy) discloses a toilet paper roll holder. A toilet paper holder having an elongated extended chute of suitable dimensions for holding a plurality of rolls of toilet paper in vertical stacked relation, the rolls being mounted on a hollow core which are substantially horizontal in said stacked relation and a chute having front, back, side, bottom and top walls. The front wall is provided with an opening near the bottom to permit the insertion and removal of rolls of toilet paper and the side walls near the opening are provided with substantially horizontal grooves for receiving the hinge pins of a door adapted to close the opening. A removable spindle is provided for extending through the hollow core of the lowermost roll to hold it in position. The device of the present invention provides for the storage of toilet paper at the site of use, provides a decorative and pleasing appearance permitting the toilet paper to be hidden from view when not in use. In addition, the device of this invention permits the easy removal of sheets of toilet paper when needed but at the same time is adapted to provide a braking action on the roll in use to prevent accidental unwinding of the sheet of toilet paper from the roll.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,570,938 (Butler) discloses a toilet paper roll holder. A holder for storing multiple rolls of toilet paper in a box-like enclosure mounted to a wall, either to the surface of the wall or in a recess. The enclosure is provided with a tilt-out front panel and an integral floor having multiple rods affixed orthogonally to the floor for receiving the open central cores of toilet paper rolls. The entire assembly comprising the front panel, the floor and rods tilt out as a unit to provide access the stored toilet paper rolls.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,350 (Burrell et al.) discloses a toilet tissue dispenser. A toilet tissue dispenser comprising a housing. An upper front door in the housing lifts upwardly, so that multiple toilet paper rolls can be stacked into the housing. The housing has a lower front notch opening, to allow the lowest toilet paper roll to be removed therefrom.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,124,259 (Harris) discloses a toilet paper holder. A toilet paper holder constitutes a free-standing portable cabinet with half disc-shaped projections extending from the front edges of the sides. A roll of toilet paper is rotatably mounted between the projections. The cabinet stores spare rolls of toilet paper and is closed by a hinged door.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,407,237 (Bright) discloses a combined magazine rack and toilet paper holder. A storage unit for use in the bathroom combines a magazine rack with a toilet paper roll storage area. A door selectively conceals or provides access to the toilet paper storage area. In addition, a sliding plate provides the support surface for additional elements such as a coffee cup.

U.S. Design Pat. No. 257,082 (Williams) illustrates a combined storage cabinet and paper roll dispenser. The ornamental design for a combined storage cabinet and paper roll dispenser, is shown and described.

WO 2002/074,148 (Krivulin) discloses a dual toilet roll dispenser. The invention is a toilet paper dispenser designed to hold two rolls of toilet paper. The dispenser has a housing containing a primary roll support and a secondary roll support. The secondary roll support is disposed parallel to and vertically above the primary roll support. The secondary roll support is connected to a release mechanism operative to lower the secondary roll support into a position to dispense toilet paper from its roll of toilet paper when the primary roll of toilet paper is exhausted. A roll guard prevents access to the secondary roll until the release mechanism has been activated. The release mechanism is automatically activated and released by a user-controlled trigger mechanism, preferably a lever, so that a user exhausting the primary roll of toilet paper may access the secondary roll without interfering with the dispenser.

All documents cited herein are incorporated by reference.

None of the above cited documents, alone or in combination satisfy the need for a combination toilet roll holder, dispenser and night light.

BRIEF SUMMARY

It is an object of the invention to provide a combination shelving unit and night light.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided a combination shelving unit and night light, said shelving unit comprising: an upper horizontal planar surface; a lower horizontal planar surface;

three vertical supporting members attached to and extending vertically between said upper horizontal planar surface and said lower horizontal planar surface; one or more shelves connected to and extending horizontally from one or two of said three vertical supporting members; a planar transparent, translucent, or opaque cover extending vertically between and attached to said upper horizontal planar surface and said lower horizontal planar surface, creating a voided space between said three vertical supporting members, said upper horizontal planar surface and said lower horizontal planar surface; a night light; and a power source connected to said night light.

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are identified with like symbols.

To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate top perspective views of the combination shelving unit and night light 102 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate bottom perspective views of the combination shelving unit and night light 102 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of the combination shelving unit and night light 102 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate top perspective views of the combination corner shelving unit and night light 402 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate bottom perspective views of the combination corner shelving unit and night light 402 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of the combination corner shelving unit and night light 402 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate aspects of the night light 204 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top front perspective view of the combination shelving unit and night light 102 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate top front perspective views of the combination corner shelving unit and night light 402 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Devices and methods for carrying out the invention are presented in terms of embodiments depicted within the FIGS. However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and the configurations shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope.

One embodiment of the invention relates to a bathroom shelving unit providing a combination of shelves and night light. The shelving unit has two generally vertically extending support members spaced horizontally from one another, with a plurality of shelves extending generally horizontally from a first or outer side of the vertically extending support members. The space between the inner or second sides of the support members houses a night light and is enclosed by a transparent or translucent cover. The distance between the shelves is configured to accommodate a toilet roll.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, there is provided a corner bathroom shelving unit providing a combination of shelves and night light. The corner shelving unit also has two generally vertically extending support members spaced horizontally from one another, with a plurality of shelves extending generally horizontally from a first or outer side of one of the vertically extending support members. The space between the inner or second sides of the support members houses a night light and is enclosed by a transparent or translucent cover. The distance between the shelves is configured to accommodate a toilet roll.

The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out in the specification. The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate perspective views of combination shelving unit and night light 102 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1A shows the combination shelving unit and night light 102 comprised of an upper surface 104, a lower surface 106 and a back 112. Means of attachment to of the back 112 of the shelving unit to the wall can be provided by appropriately placed attachment members 116. In the illustrated embodiment the attachment members 116 are a series of screws, typically wood screws of sufficient length to extend through the back 112 of the shelving unit and dry wall, and tiles when present, into a stud.

A first vertical supporting member 122 and a second vertical supporting member 124 can be seen extending between the upper surface 104 and the lower surface 106. In this embodiment, the first vertical supporting member 122 and second vertical supporting member 124 are illustrated as being configured in a curved or semi-circular form.

The first vertical supporting member 122 and second vertical supporting member 124 forming a void between them. A transparent, translucent or opaque cover 110 is affixed to a front surface of the combination shelving unit and night light 102 so as to enclose the voided compartment. In the illustrated embodiment, the transparent, translucent or opaque cover 110 is attached to the front of the unit via a front framed section 108.

The transparent, translucent or opaque cover 110 is typically fabricated from some form of polymeric plastic. For example, transparent polymers can be selected from the group including, but not limited to: polycarbonates; PMMA/acrylic; polyethylene terephthalate (PET); amorphous copolyester (PETG); polyvinyl chloride (PVC); liquid silicone rubber (LSR); cyclic olefin copolymers (COC); polyethylene (PE); ionomer resin; transparent polypropylene (PP); fluorinated ethylene polypropylene (FEP); styrene methyl methacrylate (SMMA); styrene acrylonitrile resin; clear polystyrene; and methyl methacrylate acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (MABS). The transparent, translucent or opaque cover 110 may have a texture or patterned surface, and in some embodiments tempered, reinforced or frosted glass can be used as the cover.

One or more shelves 114 extend generally horizontally in an outward direction from the first vertical supporting member 122 and second vertical supporting member 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the shelves 114 are semi-circular in shape, partially cooperating with the semi-circular first vertical supporting member 122 or second vertical supporting member 124 and partially open on the outermost edge.

FIG. 1B shows that the shelf spacing 120, which is the vertical distance between the shelves, is configured to accommodate a toilet roll 118.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate alternative perspective views of combination shelving unit and night light 102 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A shows the positioning of a night light 204 affixed to the underside of the upper surface 104 of the shelving unit within the voided area between the first vertical supporting member 122, the second vertical supporting member 124 and the transparent, translucent or opaque cover 110.

Also present in this embodiment of the invention is a toilet roll holder 202. In this embodiment, the toilet roll holder 202 is attached to the bottom of the shelving unit.

FIG. 2B shows the positioning of a night light 204 fixed to the underside of the lower surface 106.

Also present in this embodiment of the invention is a toilet roll holder 202. In this embodiment, the toilet roll holder 202 is attached to the top of the shelving unit.

This perspective view shows how the upper surface 104 and lower surface 106 are connected by the front framed section 108. In this embodiment, the semi-circular shelves 114 extend between the back 112 and the front framed section 108 and are partially encompassed by either the semi-circular first vertical supporting member 122 or the semi-circular second vertical supporting member 124. The non-encompassed section of the semi-circular shelves 114 are sized and configured to receive a toilet roll 118.

In both of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B the night light 204 and toilet roll holder 202 could be positioned proximate to each other, in that both can be located attached to or abutting the upper surface 104 or the lower surface 106.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a combination shelving unit and night light 102 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

Each of the first vertical supporting member 122 and the second vertical supporting member 124 comprise an inner surface 308 and an outer surface 306.

This particular figure shows how the inner surfaces 308 of the first vertical supporting member 122 and the second vertical supporting member 124 create a voided area 310 bounded in the rear by the back 112 of the unit and the transparent, translucent or opaque cover 110 at the front.

The outer surfaces 306 of the first vertical supporting member 122 and second vertical supporting member 124 attach to and support the shelves 114.

This embodiment of the invention shows the location of a battery, which can be either a standard non-rechargeable battery, or it can be a rechargeable battery 302, as illustrated.

A charging port 304 may be present, and is generally indicated on the upper surface 104 in this figure. The charging port 304 may take the form of a 2- or 3-pin socket to recharge the battery when a rechargeable battery 302 is installed in the unit.

In an alternative embodiment, the charging port 304 may be a USB-type port for charging devices, including but not limited to USB-A, USB-B, and USB-C. In yet another embodiment, the charging port 304 may be a wireless charging pad or station. Typically, the power supply for these embodiments would be supplied by directly connecting the shelving unit to the hydro supply rather than via a battery or rechargeable battery 302.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate perspective views of a combination corner shelving unit and night light 402 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4A shows the combination corner shelving unit and night light 402 is comprised of an upper surface 104, a lower surface 106, a first vertical supporting member 122, a rear wall abutment edge 404 and a side wall abutment edge 412. Means of attachment to of the rear wall abutment edge 404 and the side wall abutment edge 412 of the shelving unit to the wall can be provided by appropriately placed attachment members 116. In the illustrated embodiment the attachment members 116 are a series of screws, typically wood screws of sufficient length to extend through the rear wall abutment edge 404 and the side wall abutment edge 412 of the shelving unit and dry wall, and tiles when present, into a stud.

The first vertical supporting member 122, the rear wall abutment edge 404 and the side wall abutment edge 412 can be seen extending between the upper surface 104 and the lower surface 106. In this embodiment, the first vertical supporting member 122 is illustrated as being configured in a curved or semi-circular form.

The first vertical supporting member 122 and the side wall abutment edge 412 forming a void between them. A transparent, translucent or opaque cover 110 is affixed to a front surface of the combination corner shelving unit and night light 402 so as to enclose the voided compartment. In the illustrated embodiment, the transparent, translucent or opaque cover 110 is attached to the front of the unit via a front framed section 108.

One or more shelves 114 extend generally horizontally in an outward direction from the first vertical supporting member 122 and rear wall abutment edge 404. In the illustrated embodiment, the shelves 114 are semi-circular in shape, partially cooperating with the semi-circular first vertical supporting member 122 and partially open on the outermost edge.

FIG. 4B shows that the shelf spacing 120, which is the vertical distance between the shelves, is configured to accommodate a toilet roll 118.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate alternative perspective views of combination corner shelving unit and night light 402 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5A shows the positioning of a night light 204 affixed to the underside of the upper surface 104 of the shelving unit within the voided area between the first vertical supporting member 122, the side wall abutment edge 412 and the transparent, translucent or opaque cover 110.

Also present in this embodiment of the invention is a toilet roll holder 202. In this embodiment, the toilet roll holder 202 is attached to the bottom of the shelving unit.

FIG. 5B shows the positioning of a night light 204 fixed to the underside of the lower surface 106.

Also present in this embodiment of the invention is a toilet roll holder 202. In this embodiment, the toilet roll holder 202 is attached to the top of the shelving unit.

This perspective view shows how the upper surface 104 and lower surface 106 are connected by the front framed section 108. In this embodiment, the semi-circular shelves 114 extend between the rear wall abutment edge 404 and the front framed section 108 and are partially encompassed by either the semi-circular first vertical supporting member 122. The non-encompassed section of the semi-circular shelves 114 are sized and configured to receive a toilet roll 118.

In both of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B the night light 204 and toilet roll holder 202 could be positioned proximate to each other, in that both can be located attached to or abutting the upper surface 104 or the lower surface 106.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of a combination corner shelving unit and night light 402 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

The first vertical supporting member 122 comprises an inner surface 308 and an outer surface 306.

This particular figure shows how the inner surface 308 of the first vertical supporting member 122 create a voided area 310 bounded at the rear by the rear wall abutment edge 404, and to the side by the side wall abutment edge 412, and at the front by the transparent, translucent or opaque cover 110.

The outer surface 306 of the first vertical supporting member 122 attaches to and support the shelves 114.

This embodiment of the invention shows the location of a battery, which can be either a standard non-rechargeable battery, or it can be a rechargeable battery 302.

A charging port 304 may be present, and is generally indicated on the upper surface 104 in this figure. The charging port 304 may take the form of a 2- or 3-pin socket to recharge the battery when a rechargeable battery 302 is installed in the unit.

In an alternative embodiment, the charging port 304 may be a USB-type port for charging devices, including but not limited to USB-A, USB-B, and USB-C. In yet another embodiment, the charging port 304 may be a wireless charging pad or station. In one embodiment, the power supply for these embodiments could be supplied by directly connecting the shelving unit to the hydro supply rather than via a battery or rechargeable battery 302.

In an alternative embodiment, the rechargeable battery 302 would constantly be kept charged via connection to an external power source, provide a means of light and ability to recharge devices such as cell phones in the event of a power outage.

As illustrated herein, showing a power cable 606 wired into the combination corner shelving unit and night light 402 to power the night light 204 and charging port 304 when present. The power cable 606 terminating at one end in a plug 604 configured for connection into a wall socket 602.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a typical night light 204 affixed to a front framed section 108 of a shelving unit in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7A shows a power supply 702 to the night light 204 which may be provided by either a battery, a rechargeable battery 302 or a hydro or external power source. The on/off switch in this embodiment is a motion detector 704.

FIG. 7B shows a power supply 702 to the night light 204 which may be provided by either a battery, a rechargeable battery 302 or a hydro or external power source. The on/off switch in this embodiment is a manual switch 706.

In both of the embodiments described above, the night light 204 can be situated within the voided area 310, either attached to the underside of the upper surface 104; or to the upper side of the lower surface 106; or to the underside of the lower surface 106. The on/off switch can be located at any convenient and suitable position on the shelving unit. When the on/off switch is a motion detector 704, the detector must be located in a position that can be activated by a user's motion.

The above embodiment of the invention relates to either a combination shelving unit and night light 102 or a combination corner shelving unit and night light 402.

FIG. 8 illustrates a combination shelving unit and night light 102 similar to the embodiment described in FIG. 3 .

This figure shows an embodiment having an external power source, a rechargeable battery 302, a night light 204 having either an on off switch or a dimmer controller 806, a clock 804, and a USB charging port 802. The USB charging port 802 can be configured to receive a USB-A, USB-B, or USB-C connection. The combination shelving unit and night light 102.

As illustrated herein, the combination shelving unit and night light 102 has a power cable 606 wired into the shelving unit to power the night light 204 and USB charging port 802 when present. The power cable 606 terminating at one end in a plug 604 configured for connection into a wall socket 602.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate embodiments of the invention having digital clocks 804.

FIG. 9A shows a combination corner shelving unit and night light 402 with a clock 804 positioned at the top of the front framed section 108.

FIG. 9B shows a combination shelving unit and night light 102 with a clock 804 positioned at the top of the front framed section 108.

The specific positioning of the clock 804 on the combination corner shelving unit and night light 402 or combination shelving unit and night light 102 can be on any suitable and convenient outer surface and is not limited to the positions illustrated.

It is also within the scope of protection being sought for the combination shelving unit and night light 102 and combination corner shelving unit and night light 402 to additionally comprise a toilet roll holder 202 (not shown).

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments described were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. 

1. A combination shelving unit and night light, said shelving unit comprising: an upper horizontal planar surface; a lower horizontal planar surface; three vertical supporting members attached to and extending vertically between said upper horizontal planar surface and said lower horizontal planar surface; one or more shelves connected to and extending horizontally from one or two of said three vertical supporting members; a planar transparent, translucent, or opaque cover extending vertically between and attached to said upper horizontal planar surface and said lower horizontal planar surface, creating a voided space between said three vertical supporting members, said upper horizontal planar surface and said lower horizontal planar surface; a night light; and a power source connected to said night light.
 2. The shelving unit of claim 1, further comprising a frame surrounding said planar transparent, translucent, or opaque cover, said frame being attached to said upper horizontal planar surface and said lower horizontal planar surface.
 3. The shelving unit of claim 1, wherein said night light is positioned within said voided space or on an underside of said lower horizontal planar surface.
 4. The shelving unit of claim 1, wherein two of said vertical supporting members are partially curved along a vertical axis and one of the vertical supporting members is planar.
 5. The shelving unit of claim 4, wherein said one or more shelves have an outer edge that is partially curved and partially straight, said outer edge that is partially curved configured to connect to a section of one of said two partially curved vertical supporting members; said outer edge that is partially straight configured to connect to a section of said planar vertical supporting member.
 6. The shelving unit of claim 5, wherein said one or more shelves are vertically spaced apart at a distance of between 4-6″.
 7. The shelving unit of claim 1, wherein one of said vertical supporting members is partially curved along a vertical axis and two of said vertical supporting members are planar.
 8. The shelving unit of claim 7, wherein said two vertical supporting members are connected at right angles.
 9. The shelving unit of claim 7, wherein said one or more shelves have an outer edge that is partially curved and partially straight, said outer edge that is partially curved configured to connect to a section of said partially curved vertical supporting member; said outer edge that is partially straight configured to connect to a section of one of said two planar vertical supporting members.
 10. The shelving unit of claim 9, wherein said one or more shelves are vertically spaced apart at a distance of between 4-6″.
 11. The shelving unit of claim 1, wherein said power source is selected from the group consisting of: a battery; a rechargeable battery; and an external power supply.
 12. The shelving unit of claim 1, wherein said night light it operatively connected to a manual switch or a motion detector.
 13. The shelving unit of claim 1, further comprising a toilet roll holder attached to said upper horizontal planar surface or said lower horizontal planar surface.
 14. The shelving unit of claim 1, further comprising a clock connected to said power source.
 15. The shelving unit of claim 1, further comprising a charging port connected to said power source.
 16. The shelving unit of claim 1, wherein said power source is an external supply that is connected to a rechargeable battery.
 17. The shelving unit of claim 16, wherein said night light is connected to said rechargeable battery.
 18. The shelving unit of claim 16, further comprising a clock connected to said rechargeable battery.
 19. The shelving unit of claim 16, further comprising a charging port connected to said rechargeable battery.
 20. The shelving unit of claim 1, wherein said planar transparent, translucent, or opaque cover is fabricated from glass or plastic selected from the group consisting of: polycarbonates; PMMA/acrylic; polyethylene terephthalate (PET); amorphous copolyester (PETG); polyvinyl chloride (PVC); liquid silicone rubber (LSR); cyclic olefin copolymers (COC); polyethylene (PE); ionomer resin; transparent polypropylene (PP); fluorinated ethylene polypropylene (FEP); styrene methyl methacrylate (SMMA); styrene acrylonitrile resin; clear polystyrene; methyl methacrylate acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (MABS); tempered glass; reinforced glass; and frosted glass. 